How to Tell If You Need a Root Canal or Just a Filling

Any sudden tooth pain or sensitivity can set off alarm bells. You may be wondering: Do I need a root canal, or can a filling fix the tooth problem?

While both treatments can relieve your discomfort, and protect your tooth, pain alone isn’t always enough to determine which procedure is best.

At Solay Dental in Oldsmar, New Port Richey, and Brandon, Florida, Dr. Shiva Soleimani and our experienced dental experts want to help you understand the difference between a root canal and a filling and the signs to watch for. 

Filling vs. root canal

Root canals and fillings are restorative dental procedures that treat tooth damage and decay, also called cavities. But they’re used at different stages. 

Filling

Dental fillings are used when decay or damage is minor. We remove the decayed portion of the tooth and replace it with materials such as gold, amalgam, or composite resins. 

The type of material we use depends on the tooth in need of fixing. We often use amalgam or composite resins to fix more visible areas since they blend in well with your natural teeth.

Fillings also repair small chips, cracks, and worn areas. 

Root canal

A root canal is a tooth saver. We often perform this procedure when tooth decay has gone too far and invaded the tooth root or when a deep crack has threatened the tooth’s survival. 

During a root canal, we drill through the crown, remove the infected pulp, disinfect the canal, and then pack the tooth with dental cement. We use a crown to cover and restore the tooth. 

A root canal can save a tooth that might otherwise need an extraction.

Signs you need a filling

If you have a toothache or your teeth are more sensitive, then you might need a filling. Pain when you eat hot or cold foods or when you put pressure on a tooth may also indicate a problem that we can fix with a filling.

Visible signs of decay or damage may also show that you need dental care. 

Signs you need a root canal

The signs you might need a root canal are very similar to those of a filling. Tooth pain and sensitivity when eating are common symptoms. 

But you may have more serious symptoms, such as:

• Swelling or tenderness in the gums around the tooth
• A visible abscess
• Fever
• Darkened or discolored tooth

These symptoms suggest that the infection has reached the root and needs more extensive treatment.

When to see the dentist

Because the need for a filling and a root canal shares many of the same symptoms, it’s difficult to know which treatment you need without a dental exam. That’s why it’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as you notice pain, sensitivity, or visible damage.

Early treatment may lead you to a simpler treatment like a filling instead of a root canal. At Solay Dental, we offer emergency dental care to handle sudden toothaches or injuries right away. 

Call us today or book an appointment online so we can help you feel better and protect your smile.